One of the great things about the Bhagavad Gita is the questions that get asked. Even without answers, they would stand as proof of the greatness of this text. But many times, the questions seem to make more sense than the answers.
The first chapter presents Arjuna’s dilemma. He is prepared to enter the greatest battle of his life, to regain what has been stolen, to reestablish himself in his rightful place in the world. But when he looks across the field, at the enemies arrayed against him, he displays a character and a humanity that is stunning, beautiful, and inspiring. He is not filled with hate and battle-lust, but rather with pity and compassion for all those people, and all their families, who are prepared to sacrifice so much for the passing glories of this world. He rises above the realm of the warrior, the hero, into the realm of the compassionate and the merciful. His concern is beyond himself, and extends to all the people on both sides of the battle line.
But if you’ve read the Gita, you know that Krishna tells Arjuna that his concern is foolish. He needs to get over his ‘scruples’ and get out there and kick some ass.
What?!
Of course, I’m paraphrasing, but Arjuna displays the highest qualities of humanity, and Krishna proceeds to change his mind? What kind of a book is this?
Stay tuned….
With all due respect
Three years ago I sat in a hospital room with an elderly Indian man who was dying of cancer. Two of his old friends had stopped by to pay their respects. We talked, and the topic turned to what I was up to.
I told them that I was recording a narration of the Bhagavad Gita to put on a website. I was proud of myself, and expected them to be impressed.
They were angry and critical.
Their castes were low and they enjoyed the decency to be found in Christianity. For them, the Gita had been used to support an unfair economic and social condition. They did not appreciate this work.
I have presented the Gita on this site not as an act of defiance to those men, because I admire and respect them. But my view is that the Gita asks some very important questions for our time, and it is a story that we, as a people, will benefit from hearing.